Instructions for completing the Risk Assessment for Animal Contact

Completion of the Health Statement and Health Questionnaire is required for all individuals who work with animals at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. This work-related information will be evaluated by the TTUHSC Employee Health Nurse at your campus location, who will determine the necessary recommendations.

General Health Information: You and Your Work Environment

  1. Texas Tech University Animal Contact Program/Questionnaire covers faculty, staff, students andvolunteers who have direct exposure to vertebrate animals and, in some cases, animal tissues, body fluidsor wastes. The program requirements are based on the type and frequency of exposure to animals.

  2. The EMPLOYEE HEALTH PROGRAM for Personnel with Laboratory Animal Contact administers healthrisks and medical requirements.

  3. The following items are recommended:
    1. Respirator Fit Testing—all individuals in contact with pregnant goats and sheep (Provided by SafetyServices).
    2. Rabies Immunization/titer within 2 years—all individuals in contact with unvaccinated carnivores.
    3. Tetanus Immunization within 10 years—all individuals having recurrent animal contact.
    4. TB Screening bi-annually (every 6 months)—in contact with non-human primates.

  4. If you are immune-compromised due to treatment of certain diseases, e.g. cancer, lupus, rheumatoidarthritis, asthma, or as a result of chronic viral illness, special consideration may need to be made for yoursafety. You are encouraged to confidentially discuss your condition with the Employee Health Nurse andPhysician or your personal care physician.

  5. Female Personnel: If you are pregnant or become pregnant while at TTUHSC, certain precautions mayneed to be taken during your pregnancy if you work with animals, biohazardous materials, radiation, orchemical agents. Contact the Employee Health Nurse for further information.

  6. Medical information entered on the Health Questionnaire is confidential and kept only at TTUHSC Schoolof Medicine (SOM) Employee Health.


Routing of Occupational Health Statement and Animal Contact Health Questionnaire

These forms should be completed at the time a department fills a vacant position that will have animal contact and at the time an individual submits a research proposal that includes animal contact.

  1. Complete and sign the Risk Assessment for Animal Contact Health Questionnaire.

  2. Contact the nurse, then take the completed Health Questionnaire to TTUHSC Employee Health:
    Gabriel Fernandez, RN (Gabriel.Fernandez@ttuhsc.edu)
    Infection Control Nurse, Occupational Health Elp
    4801 Alberta #A02H
    (915) 215-4510
  3. The Employee Health Nurse will review the information. The enrollment memo must be signed.